the president is looking not to negotiate on the debt ceiling. >> the only option is for the congress to pass. no substitute for congressional action, but you see the republicans in the house are saying we're only going to increase the debt limit if the debt limit is met dollar or dollar for spending cuts. that is a recipe for stalemate. there doesn't appear to be a way around it and there's more stalemate. >> george stephanopoulos, thanks for your reporting. george, by the way, has a packed show with two powerhouse roundtables, "this week" coming up later right here on abc. george, thanks again. >>> meantime, the golden globes are tonight and awards have been historically been considered a good indicator for the oscars, but a controversy is brewing over one of the top contenders for best film, "zero dark thirty." its director was already snubbed by the academy and some legendary actors are telling members not to cast oscar ballots for it because of graphic scenes involving graphic torture. abc's john muller is here with more on that story. good morning, john. >> good morning, bianna.